Earley residents have hit back at The University of Reading over its claim that Sibly Hall is the best site for a mobile phone mast.

The university submitted a planning application to Wokingham Borough Council in December to demolish the current

10-storey student accommodation block and replace it with 99 new homes.

A separate application was submitted to relocate telecoms and emergency services communication equipment which the university said would be moved to an existing clearing in the copse to ensure it was well screened.

University spokesman Alex Brannen said: “The university undertook a full survey of potential sites in the area and concluded on a range of grounds including typography, coverage and range of signal, the best location for a replacement mast would be a glade within the woodland on the Sibly Hall site.”

In response to residents asking why the mast could not be located elsewhere, the university published a list of sites it considered to house the mast but were discounted.

They include Earley Radstock Social Club, Earley Reservoir and Pumping Station and Maiden Erlegh Bowling Club.

Mr Brannen added: “One frequent query has been why the university could not consider locating the mast on its Whiteknights campus.

“In fact all of the mobile operators represented on the Sibly tower are already on Whiteknights campus and the signal is beamed from Whiteknights to Sibly and from there to Bracknell to ensure coverage.

“Whiteknights on its own would not provide coverage for the Sibly area.”

Rita Steele, from Sibly Hall Action Group, said: “We have read with interest The University of Reading’s press release seeking to justify the erection of a telecommunications mast in woodland at Sibly Hall.

“The woodland, which can be traced back to the 1600s, is also designated as a local wildlife site. A 30-metre mast would tower above the woodland and be visible from all over the area. Trees will be chopped down and the crowns removed from the majestic, ancient oaks to accommodate this monster.”

She added: “Are we seriously to believe that had Sibly Hall never been constructed we would have been denied emergency radio and mobile phone services?

“This is a specious argument that insults the intelligence of local residents. It seeks to play on people’s fear by implying that we must accept this monster or risk losing our emergency services.

“The university claims this is the best location, one which would enable it to retain the not inconsiderable rental income it earns from the aerials.